This is the layout for the circuit that we made. We got this layout from "Engineer's Mini-Notebook". This circuit consists of the 555 timer. We had to place another Rectifier /Diode so that when the motor starts to turn, the back EMF doesn't push the current backwards. We also added a resister to slow the electrons down, and by doing this it builds up the voltage.
This is a picture of the 555 timer. The timer acts like a resister. it turns off at about 2/3 of the total voltage. In order for it to last longer you have to add more resistance this is done by the the timer. Therefore, the more clicks on the timer the more resistance, resulting in the greater distance.
First, we tested our circuit by connecting a light to it. Our circuit is composed of four double A batteries, an adjustable time, and a power switch. When we connected the light to the circuit, we were able to successfully control the amount of time that the could light illuminate.
Next, we removed the light and attached a solar power motor because we wanted to see if the circuit could propel a motor.
Fortunately, the motor worked which meant we were one step closer to connecting the circuit to the car.
Next, we disconnected the solar polar motor, and we connected the circuit to the actual car. The car was able to successfully run.
Then we glued the circuit on two plastic blocks, connecting it to the car.
We finally got our car to run and stop successfully!
Things tried so far:
So far, we have composed a circuit which is connected to four double A batteries, this scheme has worked for us thus far. Also, to test the circuit we connected it to a small solar power motor. It was ideal to test the circuit first because we knew it functioned properly prior to connecting it to the car. Also, it was important to record data that contained the amount of clicks (we turned the timer), the distance the car traveled, and the amount of time it took to travel the particular distance.
Suggestions for future builders
Before you dissemble the car, make sure the care stays in a straight path. Also, it is important to include a LCD light within the circuit because it is also a diode. Without the light, the current would move in the wrong direction.
Table of Contents
Event Score Sheet
Team Crazy Car
Pictures of the car, circuit, trials,etc
This is the layout for the circuit that we made. We got this layout from "Engineer's Mini-Notebook". This circuit consists of the 555 timer. We had to place another Rectifier /Diode so that when the motor starts to turn, the back EMF doesn't push the current backwards. We also added a resister to slow the electrons down, and by doing this it builds up the voltage.
This is a picture of the 555 timer. The timer acts like a resister. it turns off at about 2/3 of the total voltage. In order for it to last longer you have to add more resistance this is done by the the timer. Therefore, the more clicks on the timer the more resistance, resulting in the greater distance.
First, we tested our circuit by connecting a light to it. Our circuit is composed of four double A batteries, an adjustable time, and a power switch. When we connected the light to the circuit, we were able to successfully control the amount of time that the could light illuminate.
Next, we removed the light and attached a solar power motor because we wanted to see if the circuit could propel a motor.
Fortunately, the motor worked which meant we were one step closer to connecting the circuit to the car.
Next, we disconnected the solar polar motor, and we connected the circuit to the actual car. The car was able to successfully run.
Then we glued the circuit on two plastic blocks, connecting it to the car.
We finally got our car to run and stop successfully!
Things tried so far:
So far, we have composed a circuit which is connected to four double A batteries, this scheme has worked for us thus far. Also, to test the circuit we connected it to a small solar power motor. It was ideal to test the circuit first because we knew it functioned properly prior to connecting it to the car. Also, it was important to record data that contained the amount of clicks (we turned the timer), the distance the car traveled, and the amount of time it took to travel the particular distance.Suggestions for future builders
Before you dissemble the car, make sure the care stays in a straight path. Also, it is important to include a LCD light within the circuit because it is also a diode. Without the light, the current would move in the wrong direction.